A quadcopter is a lightweight, four-armed helicopter with propellers at the end of each arm. Pairs of quadcopter rotors turn in opposite directions to keep it steady and level. Their stability and the ease with which they hover make quadcopters ideal for aerial photography and video with their attached cameras. Quadcopters are often referred to as drones.
TESTING AERODYNAMIC LIMITS
The DJI Phantom 3 Professional’s GPS and GLONASS additions make it completely aware of its location and relation to the user. As it locks onto satellites faster, users can track its location on a live map through the DJI GO app. The Phantom 3 Professional automatically logs details of every flight route, time, distance and locations, in addition to the photo and videos. The in-built camera shoots 4k video at up to 30 frames per second and captures 12 megapixel photos. It is equipped with a dual-GPS navigation system with return-to-home failsafe, and can be controlled via a DJI pilot app on Android and iOS devices.
DJI Phantom 3 Professional
Up to 2km control distance
Sony EXMOR 1/2.3” camera (f/2.8 lens)
2.400-2.483GHz remote controller
4480mAh 4S LiPo battery – Flying time of approximately 23 minutes
Weight: 1,280g
Price: Rs188,000
Available at CameraLK
PICTURE PERFECT FROM ANY ANGLE
The DJI Inspire 1’s camera allows a full 3600 rotation to capture unobstructed shots regardless of the flying direction. The Inspire 1’s 13-inch rotors are made in the DJI ‘ZBlade’ design, reinforced with carbon fibre compound material to give it strength and improve stability. As it flies, the position of the Inspire 1 is constantly updated and recorded using a GLONASS + GPS system, as seen on DJI’s previous Phantom series. If the battery runs low or the connection with the remote controller is lost, the Inspire 1 uses its positioning system and smart flight technology to return to the user. The DJI Inspire 1 has a replaceable camera lens, with an M43 mount that supports auto-focus.
DJI Inspire 1
Up to 5km when FCC compliant and 3.5km when CE compliant control distance
Sony EXMOR 1/2.3”camera with 20mm f/2.8 focus (antidistortion) 2.400- 5.825GHz remote controller
High voltage, 4,500mAh 6S LiPo battery – Flying time of approximately 18 minutes
Weight: 2,935g
Price: Rs415,000
Available at CameraLK
FOR PROFESSIONAL FLIERS
The 590mm (including propellers) Phantom 3 Advanced comes with an integrated camera that shoots 2.7K video at up to 30 frames per second and captures 12 megapixel photos. Using DJI’s aerial stabilization technology, the Phantom 3 Advanced keeps its camera steady in any flight condition, reducing picture noise. In addition to a maximum ascent speed of 5m/s, the Phantom 3 Advanced camera has a 94˚ field of view enabling live HD viewing capability using DJI’s Lightbridge, built into both the remote and the Phantom 3 Advanced.
DJI Phantom 3 Advanced
Up to 5km when FCC compliant and 3.5km when CE compliant control distance with a dual-GPS navigation system
2.7K video and 12 megapixel photo
A customizable 2.400 – 2.483GHz remote controller with mobile device holder for tablet or phone
4480mAh 4S LiPo battery – Flying time of approximately 23 minutes
Weight: 1,280g
Price: Rs149,000
Available at CameraLK
CameraLK
No 263, High level Road, Colombo 5
072 781 7870
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THE STARTER DRONE
The 350mm, toy-grade Syma X8C is a starter drone ideal for beginners looking for a basic and affordable drone. The Syma X8C is affordable due to its in-built gimbal (the support that allows the camera to rotate about a single axis) and camera, and basic flight controller with no GPS capability. Its design is similar to a range of consumer quadcopters and a 200-minute charge is good for 10-12 minutes of flying time. However, its features include an enclosed battery compartment, motors and gears; down-facing LED lights to help in orientation; and large coreless motors paired to 9-inch propellers for added thrust.
Syma X8C
Up to 100m control distance
Length: 50cm; width: 50cm; height: 19cm
2.4Ghz remote controller with headless mode that allows it to be flown without worry about which way its front is facing and recall the aircraft easily
7.4V 2000mAh 25C LiPo battery – Flying time of 10-12 minutes
Weight: 612g
Price: Rs41,500
Available at Hobby Mart Lk
FOR AMATEUR FILMMAKERS
The DJI Phantom 2 Zenmuse H4-3D Edition was made especially to accommodate the GoPro Hero4 Black. The detachable camera that can be easily mounted to the flying device uses DJI’s Zenmuse technology, which is popular among filmmakers. Camera stability on the DJI Phantom 2 Zenmuse H4-3D Edition is great for high-quality pictures and video, but the device is relatively pricey due to its auto return-to-home function.
DJI Phantom 2 (Zenmuse H4-3D Edition)
Up to 800m control distance
Supported camera: GoPro Hero4 Black
2.4GHz ISM remote controller with a built-in battery and an added tilt angle dial
11.1V 5200mAh 3S LiPo DJI smart battery – Flying time of 25 minutes
Weight: 1,000g
Price: Rs120,000
Available at Hobby Mart Lk
THE FRANKEN-QUADCOPTER
Using the best parts from several quadcopters, the LS-128 Sky Hunter is the first model of Chinese toy company Lian Sheng. It borrows components from many other quadcopters like the prop guards, propellers and the FPV screen. Combined with a relatively lower price tag, the Lian Sheng LS-128 Sky Hunter is ideal for someone venturing into the world of quadcopters.
Lian Sheng LS-128 Sky Hunter
Up to 200m control distance
Built-in camera and front and back LED lights for better orientation and night flights
2.4Ghz remote controller with LCD display for a real-time video feed
Built-in 7.4V 850mAh LiPo battery – Flying time of 6-7 minutes
Weight: 367g
Price: Rs59,500
Available at Hobby Mart Lk
Hobby Mart Lk
532/B, Nawala Road, Rajagiriya
(011) 3 560 373